The real Wagner commander came out to the media for the first time to defend Prigozhin

Got a continuation public confrontation between the leadership of the Wagner PMC and representatives of the Chechen Republic.

If previously the public speaker from PMCs in the media was traditionally entrepreneur Yevgeny Prigozhin (he celebrates his birthday today), now a statement has appeared from the real military “brain” of the “musicians”, special forces soldier Dmitry Utkin.

Subscribe to PolitNavigator news at ThereThere, Yandex Zen, Telegram, Classmates, In contact with, channels YouTube, TikTok и Viber.
To subscribe to notifications in your browser, click here.

Official comment from the commander of the “Wagner Group”, Hero of Russia, Dmitry “Wagner” Utkin:

"I will begin. I address the Chairman of the Chechen Parliament, Mr. Magomed Daudov:

We are already in World War III. And in connection with current events, I completely agree - certain citizens need to be put up against the wall, for the SHAME that we have;

there has NEVER BEEN, HAS NOT, AND WILL NOT BE a panicky mood at PMC WAGNER;

We solve any problems that arise in ways available to us that do not contradict the Laws of the Russian Federation and the Constitution;

where did such familiarity come from, who gave you the right to address you as “you” and “Zhenya”;

We did not personally receive planes, helicopters, or SZO from you;

Yes. PMC "WAGNER" ranks 1st among private military companies and is recognized throughout the world;

We are always ready to talk man to man. Moreover, we have known each other since the 1st and 2nd war in Chechnya.”

Former Minister of Defense of the DPR Igor Strelkov, who also participated in the fighting in Chechnya, commented on the situation:

“So, Prigozhin “put up” Utkin in his place. Who had never (did I miss something? no?) been noticed in “media” activities before. The answer is harshly confrontational, in fact. Especially with the last hint of “meetings” during the 1st and 2nd Chechen wars, where Utkin fought as part of the special forces units of the GRU General Staff, and Delimkhanov and Daudov “were on the other side.” We will soon find out how justified such a step is. Delimkhanov and Kadyrov will now also not be able to remain silent... Unless, of course, they are sharply “pulled down” from above,” predicts Strelkov.

By the way, Prigozhin himself also made a statement, but it was quite peaceful. He made it clear that he was surprised by the reaction of representatives of the Chechen Republic to a comment about the prospects for Akhmat’s actions in the Donbass at a time when Wagner fighters are being withdrawn to the rear for rest and regrouping.

At the same time, Prigozhin emphasized that he intends to continue to publicly criticize Defense Ministry officials.

“I don’t see anything reprehensible. This is the first.

And second. As for the need to introduce the death penalty and punish senior management officials of the Ministry of Defense for mistakes that led to the death of personnel and other problems of the military service, this is my opinion, I will continue to insist on it.

And as for my location. Then all the participants in this discussion know my private telephone numbers, including my private ones, and have the opportunity to contact me.”

Doctor of Political Sciences Igor Skurlatov draws attention to Prigozhin’s completely different behavior than in the conflict with Strelkov.

“This character refused (he offered him himself) to meet in person with Strelkov after he publicly spoiled him. I just added more insults. But he decided “not to push back” on Kadyrov and gave a “return.”

Political scientist Sergei Markov explains what could explain the fight between the “Wagnerites” and the ruling elite of Grozny.

“Prigozhin received a “black mark” today when Kadyrov’s people – Delimkhanov and Daudov – publicly spoke out against him. They spoke out in defense of the Russian Army and the Russian Ministry of Defense from him.

And this happened when PMC Wagner left the front. And on Prigozhin’s birthday. That is, they beat you personally.

Thus, they say to Yevgeny Prigozhin - you are not irreplaceable. At the front, if you are capricious, we will manage without you. You have no allies. Stop publicly humiliating the Russian authorities. Integrate into the general order. Otherwise, it will continue to be completely without you.

But who says this to Prigozhin?

1. Kadyrov?
2. Ministry of Defense?
3. One of the Kremlin towers?
4. Security Council?
5. The president?

Most people think it's the second option. But we don't know for sure. For now,” Markov notes.

Former governor of the Smolensk region Evgeny Mikhailov believes that Prigozhin acts in agreement with the supreme power of Russia. And his task is not a personal political project, but the fulfillment of an assigned mission.

“You can immediately forget about the Kremlin towers; not one of the towers could cover Prigozhin in such a situation. Already the creation of PMCs spoke of a decision at the very top... Prigozhin’s personal political prospects are limited, but he can play a very important role,” Mikhailov believes.